King's Scepter Gentian
Gentiana sceptrum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Gentiana sceptrum is a native Pacific Northwest wildflower blooming July through September with deep blue tubular flowers. This King's Scepter Gentian grows in moist meadows from California to Washington.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
King's scepter gentian is a compact perennial wildflower that forms neat clumps of green foliage topped with vibrant blue-purple tubular flowers from July through September. This native plant grows 4-16 inches tall and prefers partial sun with consistent moisture.
Growing King's Scepter Gentian
Grow King's Scepter Gentian in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 3 to 8 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
King's Scepter Gentian takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks like a wildflower rather than ornamental plant
- Unknown winter appearance may be messy
- Small size may appear sparse in formal plantings
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to bees during the late summer blooming period. This native gentian provides important nectar when many other flowers are finishing for the season.
Common questions
- When does Gentiana sceptrum bloom?
- King's Scepter Gentian blooms from July through September, producing distinctive deep blue tubular flowers.
- Where is Gentiana sceptrum native?
- This gentian is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington, typically found in moist mountain meadows and streambanks.
- What pollinators visit Gentiana sceptrum?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of King's Scepter Gentian, attracted to its deep blue tubular flowers during summer months.
- What growing conditions does Gentiana sceptrum prefer?
- King's Scepter Gentian thrives in partial sun with consistent moisture, making it well-suited for mountain meadows and bog gardens.
- Is King's Scepter Gentian HOA-friendly?
- King's Scepter Gentian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow King's Scepter Gentian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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